Electronically actuated trigger mechanism for compressed gas powered weapons or the like

ABSTRACT

A compressed gas powered gun includes an electronic actuator to achieve greater efficiency in the operation of the gun. In one aspect, the gun is operable in either a manually operating mode or an electronically operating mode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.60/103,171, filed Oct. 6, 1998, the subject matter of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is alsorelated to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/955,047, filed Oct. 21,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,303, issued Jun. 22, 1999, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/955,187, filed Oct. 21, 1997, the subject matterof which is also incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to an electronic actuatorcoupled with a trigger mechanism for use in compressed gas poweredweaponry or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A variety of different types of weaponry which utilize dischargedcompressed gas to fire projectiles are known. These compressed gaspowered weapons have particular use in a variety of applicationsincluding tranquilizer guns and pellet marking guns which are sometimesreferred to as “paintball guns.” Generally marking guns use compressedgas to fire a relatively fragile projectile which comprises a frangibleshell which is filled with a marking composition. The capsules aredesigned to break upon impact with a target and thereby discharge themarking material onto the target.

[0004] Such marking guns have a variety of different uses. For example,they may be employed to segregate livestock within a herd, assist in thecounting of wild animals or for training of military or law enforcementpersonnel through simulation exercises. Likewise, they may be used bymilitary and law enforcement personnel for crowd control. Another verypopular use for such marking guns is for recreation. In particular,paintball marking guns are used for “war games” in which participantsattempt to hit other combatants with paintballs thereby marking them andeliminating them from the game.

[0005] One attribute which is extremely important to users of paintballmarking guns which are intended for such recreational war games, as wellas those used for other purposes, is the manner in which the gun isfired. Obviously, paintball marking guns which are capable of increasedfiring rates offer the user a significant competitive advantage overhis/her fellow combatants. One significant factor which influences thefiring rate of any weapon is the type of firing arrangement that isemployed. Paintball marking guns typically may employ manual,semi-automatic and fully automatic firing arrangements. A manual firingarrangement requires appropriate manipulation of the gun beforesuccessive projectiles are fired. In contrast, a semi-automatic firingarrangement enables a projectile to fired each time the trigger isdepressed, while an automatic firing arrangement will fire multipleprojectiles each time the trigger is pulled.

[0006] Although fully automatic weapons may seem desirable, they sufferfrom various shortcomings. For example, they consume increased amountsof both ammunition and compressed air and have proven problematic,particularly due to feeding mechanism failure. Moreover, they have notachieved widespread success due to regulation prohibiting their use inmany recreational settings.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, it is a general object ofthe present invention to provide a trigger mechanism for a weapon whichovercomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a triggermechanism for compressed gas powered weapons which provides excellentperformance and is very easy to maintain.

[0009] It is a more particular object of the present invention toprovide a compressed gas powered weapon that utilizes an electronicallyactuated firing mechanism.

[0010] These and other features and advantages of the invention will bemore readily apparent upon reading the following description of apreferred exemplified embodiment of the invention and upon reference tothe accompanying drawings wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a side view of a compressed gas powered gun thatutilizes the teachings of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a partial side sectional view of the compressed gaspowered gun of FIG. 1, taken axially through the gun, showing the firingsystem in a ready-to-fire mode;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a partial side sectional view of the compressed gaspowered gun showing the firing system in a firing mode prior to releaseof an actuating bolt assembly;

[0014]FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram illustrating controlcircuitry used in the electronic actuating system according to oneembodiment of the present invention; and

[0015]FIG. 5 is an electrical block diagram illustrating controlcircuitry according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] While the invention will be described and disclosed in connectionwith certain preferred embodiments and procedures, it is not intended tolimit the invention to those specific embodiments. Rather it is intendedto cover all such alternative embodiments and modifications as fallwithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] Generally, the present invention relates to an electronicactuating system for a compressed gas powered weapon or the like whichis capable of being operated with greater efficiency as compared toknown firing systems. Such efficiency is achieved through a noveltrigger mechanism and control and actuating circuitry which isincorporated into the firing system of the present invention. In oneembodiment, the trigger mechanism is operable in either a mechanicalmode or an electronically actuating mode to assist the user insuccessively actuating the trigger.

[0018] While the present invention is described in connection with acompressed gas powered gun, which has particular use a paintball markinggun, it will be readily appreciated that the teachings of the presentinvention can also be applied in other contexts. These include, forexample, other types of compressed gas powered weapons. However, itshould be understood that the actuating and switch-over mechanism of thepresent invention may be utilized in many applications other thancompressed gas powered weapons.

[0019] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one preferred embodiment of a compressed gaspowered gun which incorporates the firing system of the presentinvention. Certain details of the gun are also disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,280,778, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. As best shown in FIG. 1, the gun 10 comprises a longitudinallyextending frame support or rail 12 with a trigger-guard 14 and handle 16depending therefrom. A pivotally mounted trigger 18, the operation ofwhich is described in more detail below, is disposed within thetrigger-guard 14.

[0020] The firing system is operable in a firing mode wherein aprojectile is expelled from the gun and a ready-to-fire or reloadingmode which places the gun in condition for firing. As seen in FIG. 2, aprojectile 20, such as a marking pellet or paintball, exits an elongate,generally cylindrical barrel 22 in the direction of arrow 24 during thefiring mode. An ammunition feeding tube 26 (FIG. 1) is disposed tosupply a plurality of projectiles to the gun, one at a time, as will beunderstood by those skilled in the art.

[0021] For providing connection of the gun to a source of compressedgas, the gun includes an inlet port 30 which in the preferred embodimentcomprises a conventional adapter which allows an air line or hose (notshown) to be quickly and easily connected and disconnected from the gun.The source of the compressed gas preferably comprises a tank ofcompressed air (not shown) as will be understood by those skilled in theart. In order to provide for ease of movement, the compressed air tankmay be strapped to the back of the user or carried on a belt. Thecompressed gas source preferably is supplied at a pressure ofapproximately 700 pounds per square inch (psi). Of course, it should beappreciated that different types of sources of compressed gas could beused with the present invention. In addition, while compressed air ispreferred, other compressed gases such as nitrogen may be used.

[0022] The compressed gas or air passes from the inlet port 30 via anannular inlet passageway which, in the illustrated embodiment, extendsalong the rail of the frame 12. This inlet passageway provides apassageway to a compressed gas delivery system which operates to controland meter the compressed gas received from the compressed gas source inboth the firing and ready-to-fire modes of the firing system.Specifically, the compressed gas delivery system includes a pressureregulating system or assembly 34 and a fluid pathway which interconnectsthe compressed gas inlet port with an air or firing chamber 36.

[0023] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, a pressure regulating assembly is adapted to rapidly rechargethe firing chamber after it is expelled by filling at an increasedpressure until a preselected pressure is attained. In the illustratedembodiment, the pressure regulating assembly 34 is adapted to operate ata very high speed and provide for full pressure recharge of the firingchamber 36. This results in the firing chamber 36 being charged withcompressed gas to the preselected pressure very rapidly therebyincreasing the potential firing rate of the gun 10.

[0024] The pressure regulating assembly 34 and the fluid pathway aredisposed in a cylindrical terminal housing or valve body section 38 ofthe gun. The regulating assembly 34 generally comprises a screw-typecontrol and valve arrangement including a valve 40 disposed in the fluidpathway interconnecting the inlet port 30 and the firing chamber 36 anda regulator piston subassembly 42. The main structural details of thevalve 40 include a head portion 44, a valve stem 46, a seat 48 and abiasing spring 50. A generally cylindrical regulator valve chamber 52 isformed in the valve body section 38 of the gun which is in fluidcommunication with the inlet passageway 32 via a fluid passageway 54provided in the field strip screw 55. The valve head 44 is containedwithin the regulator valve chamber 52 while one end of the stem portion46 extends outwardly to the regulator piston subassembly 42.

[0025] The valve 40 is operable to move between an open position,wherein compressed gas flows from the inlet port 30 to the firingchamber 36 via the fluid pathway and a closed position, wherein theinlet port 30 is isolated from the firing chamber 36. Specifically, whenthe valve 40 is in the closed position, the valve head 44 engages thevalve seat 48 to thereby close off the flow of compressed gas to thefiring chamber 36 as shown in FIG. 3. When the valve 40 is in the openposition, compressed gas flows between the outer periphery of the valvehead 44 and the walls of the regulator valve chamber 52 as shown in FIG.2. The flow of compressed gas past the valve 40 continues to an on/offflow valve chamber 56 via a fluid passageway 58. In turn, the flow valvechamber 56 is interconnected with the firing chamber 36 by way of asecond fluid passageway 60 which completes the fluid pathway between theinlet port 30 and the firing chamber 36.

[0026] In order to control the pressure in the firing chamber 36, theregulator piston subassembly 42 is adapted to move the valve 40 to aclosed position when a predetermined pressure of compressed gas issensed and to urge the valve 40 to an open position when a pressure lessthan the preselected pressure is sensed. The regulator pistonsubassembly 42 is arranged in a regulator piston bore 62 which is sealedfrom the flow of gas from the regulator valve chamber 52. In order toprevent gas from leaking into the regulator piston bore, around thevalve stem an o-ring seal 64 is provided. The main structural componentsof the regulator piston subassembly include a threaded adjusting nut 66,a biasing spring 68 and a regulator piston 70.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, a blow off valve arrangement valveis provided which includes a head 67 and biasing spring 69. When anover-pressure condition is sensed, the valve permits the compressed tovent to atmosphere via an overflow port 73.

[0028] In order to sense the pressure of the gas in the firing chamber36, the regulating assembly 34 further includes a sensing line 72. Thesensing line 72 is in fluid communication with the regulator piston bore62 and is adapted to apply the pressure of the gas in the firing chamber36 to the regulator piston subassembly 42. In a preferred embodiment,the forward end of the valve stem 46 extends to a location adjacent thefiring chamber 36 and the sensing line 72 comprises a bore in the valvestem 46 which extends from adjacent the firing chamber 36 to theregulator piston bore 62 as shown in FIGS. 2-3.

[0029] When the firing chamber 36 is being filled or charged withcompressed gas during the ready-to-fire mode of the firing system, theregulating springs 68, 69 bias the regulator piston 70 toward a forwardposition in the piston bore 62, which in turn, acts to move the valvehead 44 away from the valve seat 48 as best shown in FIG. 2. Theregulator piston 70 remains in this forward position and therebyprevents the valve 40 from closing until a predetermined pressure issupplied to the firing chamber 36 and to the piston bore 62 via thesensing line 72. When the pressure in the firing chamber 36 and thepiston bore 62 reach the predetermined pressure, as shown in FIG. 3, theregulator piston 70 is moved counter to the force of the regulatorsprings 68, 69 to a rearward position which causes the valve 40 toengage the valve seat 48 and seal the regulator valve chamber 52. Thecompressed gas in the portion of the fluid pathway upstream from thevalve head 44 and the biasing spring 50 coact to maintain a closuretension on the valve 40.

[0030] When the pressure in the air chamber 36 and, in turn, in theregulator piston bore once again falls below the predetermined pressuresuch as after a firing sequence, the regulating piston subassembly 42urges the valve 40 to an open position. Compressed gas supplied to theregulator piston bore 62 via the sensing line 72 thereafter acts againstthe tension of the regulating springs 68, 69 to move the piston 70rearward. Thus, compressed gas is again discharged until the pressure inthe air chamber 36 reaches the predetermined level sufficient to urgethe valve 40 closed.

[0031] In contrast to conventional arrangements in which the compressedgas is regulated to a lower pressure as soon as it enters the gun or thecompressed gas delivery system, the described embodiment “regulates” thepressure in the firing chamber 36 itself by shutting of the supply ofcompressed gas when the firing chamber 36 reaches the desired pressure.Thus, the regulating system allows the firing chamber 36 to charge atvery nearly the full line pressure of the compressed gas source. As canbe appreciated, this allows the firing chamber to fill with compressedgas to the desired pressure much more rapidly than conventional designs.

[0032] This arrangement also ensures precise operation of the gun 10 forsuccessive firings over a wide range of ambient temperatures. Forexample, when the ambient temperature increases, thereby increasing thegas pressure in firing chamber 36 and the piston bore 62, the regulatorpiston 70 is urged rearward to close the valve 40. If the ambienttemperature increases to a level where the pressure in the piston bore62 exceeds the desired firing chamber pressure and the gas supplypressure by a sufficient amount, i.e., 650 p.s.i., the overflow valvewill move sufficiently rearwardly to permit venting through the port 73.Conversely, when the ambient temperature decreases, thereby decreasingthe pressure in the firing chamber 36 and the piston bore 62, the gassupply pressure decreases, urging the valve 40 to an open position. Inthis way, the pressure regulating assembly 34 operates to maintain adesired pressure supplied to the air chamber 36 for each firing of thegun.

[0033] In order to allow for the adjustment of the pressure to which thefiring chamber 36 is charged, and thereby the velocity of the projectile20, means are provided for adjusting the pressure at which the regulatorvalve 40 closes. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the amountof force exerted by the first regulating spring 68 on the regulatingpiston 70 can be controlled through manual adjustment of a threadedvelocity nut 66 provided on the end of the valve body 38. For example,in order to increase the pressure to which the firing chamber 36 ischarged, the velocity nut 66 is turned so as to increase the force thatthe first regulating spring 68 applies to the regulating piston 70. Arelatively higher pressure will then be required to urge the regulatingpiston 70 rearward and thereby close the valve 40. In a preferredembodiment, the pressure regulating assembly 34 should be set to shutoff the flow of compressed gas from the inlet port 30 when the pressurein the air chamber 36 reaches approximately 450 psi.

[0034] In order to protect against an over pressure condition in thecompressed gas delivery system resulting from a seal failure or thedisassembly of the gun when the firing system is under pressure, theblow off valve and over pressure vent 73, discussed above, may also beprovided.

[0035] In order to ensure that the preselected pressure is maintained inthe firing chamber 36 for the firing mode, the firing system furtherincludes a on/off valve 74 which seals off the firing chamber 36 fromthe compressed gas source when the firing system is operating in thefiring mode. The on/off flow valve 74 is movable between open and closedpositions and, in particular, is operable to open and thereby permitfluid communication between the firing chamber 36 and the inlet port 30in the ready-to-fire mode of operation, as shown in FIG. 2. This enablesthe firing chamber 36 to be charged with compressed gas to thepredetermined pressure via the compressed gas delivery system during theready-to-fire mode. In the firing mode of operation, the on/off flowvalve 74 closes thereby isolating the firing chamber 36 from the inletport 30 and the compressed gas source. This isolation of the firingchamber 36 from the compressed gas source prevents compressed gas fromflowing into the firing chamber to replace the air which has beendischarged from the firing chamber in order to expel the projectile.This is of particular importance because the pressure in the regulatorpiston bore 62 has dropped resulting in the opening of the regulatorvalve 40. The on/off flow valve 74 is movable transversely relative tothe longitudinal axis of the gun between the open and closed positions.In order to prevent compressed gas from leaking past the on/off flowvalve when it is in the closed position, an o-ring seal 78 is providedadjacent the upper end of the flow valve chamber 56. In addition, asecond o-ring seal 79 is provided adjacent the lower end of the flowvalve chamber to prevent compressed gas from leaking out of thecompressed gas delivery system.

[0036] The air or firing chamber 36 supplies the compressed gas thatexpels the projectile through the barrel 22 when the firing system is inthe firing mode. The air chamber 36 is defined by a bore formed in themain body portion of the gun 10 terminating at one end with anintermediate firing tube or power tube 80. An annular sleeve 82interfits within the power tube 80 and, along with the power tube 80,defines a discharge path for compressed air contained in the firingchamber 36 to blast into a breech 84 of the gun 10. The annular sleeve82 includes a tapered portion 86 that further defines a passage for theblast of compressed gas. This tapered portion 86 on the power tube 80 isconfigured such that the air flows out of the air chamber 36 and thepower tube at a controlled rate which prevents relatively fragileprojectiles such as paintballs from breaking as a result of too muchpressure building up behind the paintball. Inasmuch as the pressuresupplied to the firing chamber 36 has been substantially reduced fromthe maximum available pressure from the compressed gas source, thevolume defined by the firing chamber 36 is substantially larger thanfound in many known arrangements.

[0037] The blast of compressed gas exits the air chamber 52 uponactuation of a bolt assembly 88 which includes a power piston 90. Thepower piston 90 comprises head and body sections 91 and 92,respectively, with the body section 92 being sized to fit within theannular sleeve 82 and power tube 80. FIG. 2 also illustrates theremaining structural features of the bolt assembly 88, including acylindrical actuating bolt 94 disposed in surrounding relation to theannular sleeve 82 and power tube 80. The actuating bolt 94 includes aprotruding dog portion 95 disposed at one of its ends. A recoil spring96 retracts the actuating bolt 94 against a bumper 97 when the actuatingbolt 94 is returned to a ready-to-fire position.

[0038] In accordance with the invention, an electronic actuatingassembly is provided to permit precise operation of the gun. Inaddition, control circuitry is provided which generates appropriatesignals to control the rate of fire, the number of shots fired pertrigger pull, and present a fully automatic mode of operation to theuser.

[0039] In keeping with the invention, the bolt assembly 88 is maintainedin a ready-to-fire position with the use of a trigger mechanism whichincludes a sear 98 having an arm 99 that is rotatable about a pivot 100,which in a preferred embodiment comprises a threaded roller bearingaxle. The arm 99 has a transversely extending actuating member 102 atone end, located on one side of a pivot 100, and an interlocking element104 at the other end, located on the other side of the pivot 100. Theactuating member 102 is generally aligned with the on/off flow valve 74.The interlocking element 104 includes a notched portion that engages thedog portion 95 of the actuating bolt 94 in the ready-to-fire position.The interlocking element 104 preferably also includes an elongatedsection extending substantially along the path of travel of theactuating bolt assembly 88 to provide a stop surface that prevents theactuating bolt assembly from engaging the interlocking element 104during recoil of the actuating bolt assembly.

[0040] A first manual actuating lever 106 projects transversely on theside of the latch arm 99 opposite the actuating member 102 and theinterlocking element 104. A sliding trigger arm 108 disposed within thehandle 16 operates to transmit force from the trigger 18 to theactuating lever 106. As explained in detail in said U.S. Pat. No.5,280,778, this provides for semi-automatic firing of the gun 10 inoperation. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger arm 108 comprisesa first link 110 which is pivotally connected to the manual actuatinglever 106 and a second link 112 which is threaded into the first link.With this arrangement, any play in the trigger mechanism can beselectively adjusted merely by turning the second link 112 relative tothe first link 110 and thereby thread the second link further out of orin to the first link.

[0041] For permitting electronic actuation of the gun, the sear 98comprises a second electronic actuating lever 114 which extendsoutwardly from the pivot 100. The second actuating lever 114 isangularly offset from the first actuating lever 106. A push rod 116 isoperably connected with a solenoid 118 disposed in the handle of thegun. The push rod 116 operates to transmit force to the second actuatinglever 114 when the solenoid is energized. This action rotates the sear98 to release the bolt assembly.

[0042] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a switch-overmechanism is provided for permitting selection between a manuallyoperable mode and an electronically actuating mode. As shown in FIGS. 2and 3, the trigger 18 comprises a finger-engageable portion 18 a,disposed on one side of a trigger axis of rotation 18 b. The triggerfurther includes an outwardly protruding arm 18 c, disposed opposite thefinger-engageable portion 18 a and the trigger axis 18 b. Theswitch-over mechanism in this embodiment is a movable selector lever 19that coacts with the trigger arm 18 c. The lever 19 includes a cammingsurface 19 a disposed to selectively couple the trigger arm with theelectrical contacts of a trigger switch 150. When oriented in theposition shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the switch-over mechanism permits thetrigger arm 18 c to close the contacts of the electronic trigger switch150. On the other hand, when rotated such that the camming surface 19 ais disposed in contacting relation with the trigger arm 18 c, the travelof arm 18 c is restricted to effectively prevent the arm from urging thetrigger switch contacts in closed relation. Optionally, the selectorlever 19 is movable to a safe position to effectively prevent thetrigger from being pulled.

[0043] The switch-over mechanism thus permits a user to readily manuallyselect either a manual operating mode or an electronic operating mode.This feature is particularly advantageous when, for example, the userencounters a malfunction in one operating mode, such as would be thecase with electronic circuit malfunction or power supply failure.

[0044]FIG. 4 illustrates a block circuit diagram for control circuitrythat may be utilized in conjunction with the electronic mode ofoperation. Generally, the control circuitry is operable to provide asingle pulse of a particular duration, or alternatively, a series or“burst” of pulses, each having a selected duration to a solenoid 118. Inthis fashion, the control circuitry provides various modes of operation,while at the same time, a precise degree of control of movement of thesear 98. In the illustrated embodiment, the control circuitry isoperable to provide single shot pulses between approximately 10milliseconds and 70 milliseconds. These pulses, in turn, energize thesolenoid coil L1. The solenoid coil L1 operates in conjunction with anarmature winding as would be understood by those skilled in the art toactuate the arm 114. This action, in turn, rotates the sear 98 in orderto release the bolt assembly and fire the gun.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, a voltage source, which in this case is 18volts, is coupled through a main power switch 200, which is manuallyoperable by the user to permit use of the electronic circuitry (see FIG.1). The power supply may be located in the trigger guard, as shown bythe battery-receiving portions 152 and 154 in FIG. 3. Similarly, thecontrol circuitry may be located on a circuit board 156, disposed in thehandle 16 of the gun.

[0046] The voltage supplied by the power source is sufficient toenergize the solenoid coil L1. However, this voltage is reduced througha zener diode D1 to approximately 14.4 volts so that it may be used toprovide power to the control circuitry of the system. A resistor R1 iscoupled between the zener diode D1 and ground.

[0047] When the gun is operable in the electronic actuating mode asdescribed above, depression of the trigger closes the trigger switchcontacts 150. Closure of the trigger switch 150 causes a capacitor C1 tobegin charging through a resistor R3. The increased voltage is appliedto the input of a Schmidt trigger implemented as a nand gate 204. Basedon the time constant of the RC network of C1 and R3, the output ofSchmidt trigger 204 is a negative pulse having a duration ofapproximately 1 millisecond. Eventually, the capacitor C1 becomes fullycharged such that the current through R3, and resultant voltage appliedto gate 204 is zero.

[0048] The output of the gate 204 is applied to the trigger input of atimer integrated circuit IC1 in order to provide a control signal at theoutput (pin 3 of IC1). The duration of the output control pulsedetermined by an RC time constant applied to the threshold input of thetimer circuit IC1, in this case a potentiometer R5 and a capacitor C4.In the preferred embodiment, the threshold of timer circuit IC1 isadjustable between 10 milliseconds and 70 milliseconds based on theadjustment of potentiometer R5. The resultant output control signal isprovided at the output terminal of timer circuit IC1. This output pulseis passed through a limiting resistor R5 to the gate of a switchingtransistor, denoted as MOSFET Q1. When the output signal is applied tothe gate of Q1, current is drawn through the solenoid coil, denoted asinductor L1. As described above, this causes the arm 116 to move andrelease the bolt assembly.

[0049] When the trigger is released, the trigger switch contacts 150 areopened. This causes the capacitor C1 to discharge through a resistor R2to reset the timer circuit IC1. Similarly, capacitor C4 dischargesthrough the discharge input of the timer circuit.

[0050] The following Table 1 provides a summary of the componentsutilized in one preferred implementation of the control circuit shown inFIG. 4: TABLE 1 Component Type, Value or Rating R1 65k ohms R2 100k ohmsR3 10k ohms R4 82k ohms R5 500k ohms C1, C2, C4 .1 μF C3 .01 μF Q1 BU271 MOSFET D1 IN 5227 D2 IN 4007 IC1 LMC 555 204 CD 4095

[0051]FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment for controlling theelectronic actuator. In this alternative embodiment, the power source issupplied to a voltage regulator integrated circuit IC1. The output ofvoltage regulator circuit IC1 provides a reduced voltage signal at anode 204. The circuit further includes a two-position DIP switch matrix206. Based on the settings of the dip switches of switch matrix 206,various functionality may be achieved, as described below. The output ofswitch matrix 206 is provided to inputs of a micro controller IC2. Forexample, the following dip switch settings may correspond with thedescribed functionality: DIP SWITCH SETTINGS Switch 1 Switch 2 Function0 0 Single shot 0 1 Fully automatic 1 1 3-shot burst 1 0 6-shot burst

[0052] The micro-controller operates in a logical fashion based on theswitch settings to provide an output control signal or signals, having adesired duration. This output control signal is provided throughresistor R4 to the gate terminal of a MOSFET transistor Q1. The drainterminal of transistor Q1 is connected to one of the terminals of thesolenoid coil. In this manner, a control signal is applied to preciselyswitch the solenoid on and off at the desired times.

[0053] The following Table 2 provides a summary of the components usedin the implementation shown in FIG. 5: TABLE 2 Component Type, Value orRating R1, R2, R3, R5 10k ohms R4 10 ohms C1 .33 μF C2 .1 μF IC1 NJM78L05 IC2 Aftiny 12 microcontroller Q1 NDT 45JAN MOSFET

[0054] Of course, the microcontroller may be programmed to provideadditional functionality as well.

[0055] In accordance with an optional feature of the invention, thetrigger mechanism may be configured such that a user's finger is “pushedback” after the gun 10 is fired through the execution of a pull strokeof the trigger 18. This provides the sensation of a “reactive trigger.”The pushing back of the finger after the trigger 18 is actuated orpulled to fire the gun 10 helps the user pull the trigger in more rapidsuccession, thereby helping the user to achieve an increased firingrate. The trigger mechanism is operable to actuate the firing systemfrom the ready-to-fire mode to the firing mode to fire the gun upon theexecution of a pull stroke of the trigger 18 and from the firing modeback to the ready-to-fire mode to place the gun back in condition forfiring upon the execution of a return stroke of the trigger 18. Thepushing back of the user's finger after the gun is fired is accomplishedby increasing the force applied through the trigger mechanism on thetrigger 18, and counter to which the trigger must be pulled to fire thegun, immediately after the gun is fired. Since a lesser force isnecessary to pull the trigger 18, this increase in the force opposingthe trigger pull has a tendency to force the trigger 18 through thereturn stroke even if the user has not sufficiently released thetrigger. Once the gun 10 is urged back in condition for another firingsequence, the force applied on the trigger 18 through the triggermechanism is reduced in order to enable the trigger to be manuallypulled with greater ease.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, an increasedforce applied on the trigger after the gun is fired is accomplished byconfiguring the on/off flow valve 74 with a differential piston head120. The differential head 120 of the flow valve comprises a firstportion 122 with a relatively larger effective surface area and a secondportion 124 with a relatively smaller surface area. Thus, when the flowvalve 74 is open, the system relies on the second portion 124 of thedifferential piston since as the effective area to which the pressure isapplied. This results in a relatively smaller force being applied to theon/off flow valve 74 by the compressed gas in the system when the flowvalve is moving to the closed position as compared to the force appliedon the on/off flow valve 74 as it moves to the open position. As thedifferential piston head 114 is moved toward the O-ring seal 78, thesystem relies on the force applied to the lesser diameter portion 118 toprovide resistance to the trigger pull.

[0057] On the other hand, when the air chamber has expelled and thedifferential piston head 120 is in engagement with the upper O-ring seal78, the force applied to the system is transferred to the larger firstportion 122 of the piston head 120. At this point, the gas from flowchamber beneath the head 120 has expelled. Likewise, the regulator valve40 opens and the system upstream from the on-off valve goes to the fullline pressure of the compressed gas source. This slams the on-off valveback to the open position with greater force than applied to the valvewhen moved from the open position to the closed position. Once returnedto the open position, i.e., when the larger diameter head 114 isdisengaged from the O-ring seal 78, the effective area of the on-offvalve upon which the pressure acts is once again the smaller diameterpiston head 122.

[0058] Specifically, as the first step of the firing sequence, thetrigger 18 is pulled and the resultant longitudinal movement of thetrigger arm 108 acts to rotate the actuating lever element 106 of thesear in a clockwise direction (relative to FIGS. 2-6) which in turnrotates the sear arm 99 in the clockwise direction. As shown in FIG. 4,the rotation of the sear arm 99 forces the on/off flow valve 74 into theclosed position in response to the movement of the actuating member 102.This movement of the flow valve 74 into the closed position is resistedby the downward force (relative to FIGS. 2-6) exerted on smaller secondportion 118 of the differential piston head on the flow valve 74 by thecompressed gas in the system.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, once the on/off flow valve 74 has closed, theinterlocking element 104 on the sear 98 releases the dog portion 95 ofthe actuating bolt and the compressed gas in the firing chamber 36 movesthe power piston 90 rapidly forward and is released from the power tube80 resulting in the discharge of the projectile 20 from the barrel 22.Upon the release of the compressed gas in the firing chamber 36, thecompressed gas in the regulator piston bore 62 is also released via thesensing line 72 resulting in movement of the regulator valve 40 backinto the open position. After the gun 10 has been fired, the gaspressure maintained in the system upstream from the on/off flow valve 74continues to exert a downward force on the on/off flow valve. However,since all of the compressed gas downstream from the on/off flow valve 74has been discharged, the effective area on which it acts is the largerfirst portion of the differential piston head. Thus, the force acting onthe flow valve 74, and in turn on the trigger 18 through the sear 98, isincreased immediately after the compressed gas is discharged from thefiring chamber 36. Since the force now applied on the trigger 18 isgreater than the force that had to be overcome to pull the trigger (orto overcome the force applied by the actuator), this force tends toforce a user to release the trigger 18 and allow the firing system toreturn to the ready-to-fire mode. In one preferred embodiment, it takesapproximately 4 lbs. to pull the trigger and as soon as the gun is firedthe force increases to 8 lbs. It has been found that this “reactivetrigger” can enable a user to increase his or her firing rate byapproximately thirty-three percent over conventional triggerarrangements.

[0060] In addition, upon the release of the compressed gas in the firingchamber 36, the recoil spring 96 drives the actuating bolt 94 rearwardlyagainst the bumper 97 where it is held in place by the force of therecoil spring. The increased downward force exerted on the on/off flowvalve 74 will force the trigger 18 through the return stroke. Inparticular, the force on the on/off flow valve 74 moves the actuatingmember 102 of the sear to effect slight counterclockwise rotation of thesear 98 to both open the on/off flow valve 74 and to latch the actuatingbolt 94 with the interlocking element 104. The firing chamber is thenrecharged to the desired pressure via the compressed gas delivery systemas described above.

[0061] The differential between the force applied on the trigger 18during the pull stoke and the force applied during the return stroke isfurther accentuated by the regulating system of the present invention.

[0062] Particularly, as soon as the regulator valve 40 reopens becauseof the discharge of gas from the firing chamber 36, the pressure in theportion of the compressed gas delivery system upstream from the on/offflow valve 74 increases from the regulated pressure to the full linepressure of the compressed gas source. This increase in the pressureresults in a greater downward force being applied to the on/off flowvalve 74.

[0063] Various modifications may be implemented as well. For example,the electronic actuator may be replaced by an electro-pneumaticactuator, such as a solenoid valve and a ram push arm arrangement. Inthis case, the solenoid valve is operable to open a pneumatic chamber tothereby permit a quantity of compressed gas to enter the pneumatic ram.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the movement of the rammay be operable to either extend or retract to actuate the sear.Alternatively, an additional solenoid may be provided to provide precisecontrol of compressed air supplied to the on-off valve or othercomponents of the gun.

[0064] In accordance with another optional feature of the invention, theelectronics and other appropriate components may be provided as a kitthat is used to “retire-fit” existing paintball guns configured tooperate in a manual mode alone. That is, one or more of the describedcomponents, i.e., the modified sear 98, solenoid and actuating armsubassembly, circuit board 156 and/or modified trigger guard 14, may beutilized to retire-fit such existing weapons.

[0065] While this invention has been described with an emphasis uponpreferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill inthe art that variations of the preferred embodiments may be used andthat it is intended that the invention may be practiced otherwise thanas specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includesall modifications encompassed within the spirit and the scope of theinvention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronically actuating compressed gas firingsystem operable in a first mode to discharge a projectile from a barrelof a gun or the like and a second mode to reload the gun, the firingsystem being powered by a compressed gas source which providescompressed gas at an inlet, the firing system comprising: a firingchamber disposed to receive compressed gas from the compressed gassource for supplying compressed gas to expel the projectile through thebarrel when the firing system is in the first mode; a flow valvedisposed between the inlet and the firing chamber, the flow valve beingmovable between an open position in the first mode of the firing systemwherein compressed gas is permitted to flow from the compressed gassource to the firing chamber and a closed position in the second mode ofthe firing system wherein the firing chamber is isolated from the gassource so as to maintain a preselected pressure in the firing chamber; abolt assembly operable to seal the firing chamber when the firing systemis in the second mode and to direct compressed gas discharged from thefiring chamber toward the projectile when the firing system is in thefirst mode; an electronic actuator; and an electronic control circuitoperable to provide control signals to the electronic actuator, therebyoperatively releasing the bolt assembly when the firing system is in thesecond mode.
 2. The firing system of claim 1 wherein the control signalspermit firing of a single shot.
 3. The firing system of claim 1 whereinthe control signals permit automatic firing of projectiles from the gun.4. The firing system of claim 1 wherein the control signals permitfiring of the gun in a “burst” mode.
 5. The firing system of claim 4wherein the control signals permit firing of the gun in a three-shotburst.
 6. The firing system of claim 4 wherein the control signalspermit firing of the gun in a six-shot burst.
 7. A paintball gunincluding a firing system being powered by a compressed gas sourcecomprising: a manual triggering mechanism with a first linkage foractuating the firing system in a first operating mode; an electronicactuating mechanism with a second linkage for actuating the firingsystem in a second operating mode; and a change-over mechanism forselectively coupling a trigger to either the manual triggering mechanismor the electronic actuating mechanism.
 8. The paintball gun of claim 7wherein the switch-over mechanism comprises a selector switch includinga cam surface, said cam surface preventing the trigger from initiatingthe electronic actuating mechanism when in the first operating mode. 9.An electronically actuating trigger mechanism for a weapon beingactuatable between a firing mode to fire the weapon and a ready-to-firemode to place the weapon in condition for firing, comprising: aswitching mechanism in operable relation with a trigger; an actuatorbeing operable to place the weapon in the firing mode or theready-to-fire mode; and a control circuit operable to supply controlsignals to said actuator.